They are positive that Jamaica's image at the just-concluded World Championships in Athletics can be extended to different disciplines in the the country.

The experts have taken a collective stance against the deficiencies that exist and have made recommendations for upliftment.

Dave Kelly, principal of Time and Patience Primary School, St Catherine, envisaged several changes for Jamaica through committed individuals, who would reintroduce the concept 'Jamaica, no problem'.

Redefining learning principles

The educator's priority lies in developing education by redefining the learning principles. He was adamant that if a social dimension were to be added to the curriculum, Jamaica would be a peaceful and prosperous country in which to reside.

"Education is a very important tool in changing a nation. It's not going to be overnight, but it will certainly cause a lasting change," he argued.

Kelly is convinced that that there is prospect for success, and he vowed to be part of the process.

Rhys Campbell, head of Corporation and Regulatory Affairs at Carisma Marketing Company, who is at the company on a two-year contract, said his dream lies in contributing to the success of Jamaica by spreading his wings to the public sector to ensure its efficiency.

Focus on environment

He posited that change is needed in the area of education, where technology is used to harness the potential of the system.

The deficiencies in the environ-ment are also of concern to Campbell.

"Tourism is one of our greatest resources and I think we need to truly appreciate the role of protecting the environment so that we could maintain the flow of tourism."

He added, "Most Jamaicans don't know how to resolve differences and more conflict-resolution programmes are needed."

Dwayne Berbick, broadcast journalist, also predicted a change for the country.

"I envision leaders with political will who are not afraid to act in the interest of the greater good," he said.

He noted that education, which is the key to success, has not being anchored in the minds of youths.

"The goal should not be one that looks at attaining full literacy only, but takes into account the delivery of our educational services," Berbick stated.

The communicator further added that the path to peace should not look at crime in isolation, but address the economic and social offshoots as well.

Prosperity is another issue he made recommendations for. He said the success in sports and entertainment disciplines should be used as a spillover effect in other areas.

The environmental woes, such as global warming and rising sea levels, were also at the forefront of his discussion. He said they should be integrated into the long-term development plans, with contingencies in place to safeguard key sectors from the harsh effects.

Another professional Junior Rose, member of the National Advisory Council on Local Government Reform, sees himself as a leader enhancing the capacity of others.

He addressed education, saying that the country has vast potential and can be developed through learning.

"If we enhance our educational capability, then what we do is increase our ability to produce and learn," he said.

Rose added that to generate an atmosphere of peace, it is impor-tant to establish intervention programmes to include persons who are likely to contribute to the rise in crime.

Attention to environmental matters is also of significance, he said, as preserving the green spaces nullifies the effects on the economy.

"We need to look at how we produce because the world now is going in a direction where people purchase stuff that is really environmentally friendly."

Nurse of the Year, Anthonette Patterson, is also a patriotic individual who desires to see a more developed and productive nation. She pictures herself as a motivator trying to mould young minds.

She insisted that as part of the positive change women would emerge from the shadows and take up their place in society.

Improving living standards

Patterson contended that placing emphasis on educating children from an early stage is vital to the country's development.

She added that a peaceful and prosperous country is dependent on improvement the living standard of the citizens.

"While we seek to acquire peace, we need to address the negative aspects, such as difficulty in financing, unavailability of jobs, educational level of individuals and the external factors, such as the social upbringing of the youths."

In achieving the goals of the country, the individuals are cognisant that discipline is required, along with a clear vision and the implementation of the needed actions.

- N.H.